Homemade Margherita Style Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Ricotta

A Margherita-style pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and creamy ricotta makes an easy homemade dinner for a cozy reading night.

This easy Margherita style pizza recipe comes together in about 30 minutes using simple ingredients like Roma tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, and ricotta.

Inspired by the classic Margherita pizza, this version adds a touch of creamy ricotta for extra richness. The result is bright, comforting, and never heavy—perfect for family pizza night, book club gatherings, or a quiet evening at home with your current favorite romance.

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What Is Margherita Style Pizza with Ricotta?

Traditional Margherita pizza is known for its simple combination of tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil. This version keeps that classic flavor profile but adds small dollops of creamy ricotta for extra richness. It is still light and fresh, but with a slightly more indulgent texture that makes it perfect for cozy nights at home.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• Fresh mozzarella and ricotta create a creamy, satisfying texture.
• Quick enough for weeknight dinners.
• Perfect for casual pizza nights or book club gatherings.
• Pairs beautifully with cozy romance reads.

Ingredient Notes

• Roma tomatoes: These are ideal because they contain less moisture than other tomatoes.
• Fresh mozzarella: Use the soft ball variety packed in water for the best melt and flavor.
• Ricotta: Adds creaminess that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Pizza dough: Store-bought dough works well, but homemade dough creates the best texture.

Homemade Margherita Style Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Ricotta

An easy Margherita style pizza recipe topped with Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, creamy ricotta, basil, and olive oil—baked until golden and bubbling for the ultimate cozy dinner.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

12–15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 pizza crust (homemade dough or store-bought)
• 2-3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons oregano, tomato, and basil seasoning. I like using The Gourmet Collection Oregano, Basil & Tomato Spice Blend .
• 1–2 tablespoons tomato sauce (optional, for a very light layer)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of garlic powder or a clove of garlic to rub on the crust

In my experience, baking pizza on a cast iron pizza pan is as close as you can get to having a wood-burning pizza oven at home. Yet, transferring the pizza dough onto the heated pan can be quite tricky.

The game-changing trick? Parchment Paper. Assemble your pizza on a sheet of parchment paper, then slide it (paper and all) onto your hot pan. No sticking. No stress.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) (or the highest safe setting for your oven) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat, if using.
2. Shape or stretch the pizza dough into your desired size and thickness on a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured surface.
3. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the oregano, tomato, and basil seasoning evenly over the crust. If you prefer a saucier pizza, spread a very thin layer of tomato sauce over the center, leaving a border for the crust.
4. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the crust. Add dollops of ricotta cheese in between the mozzarella slices.
5. Layer the tomato slices around the cheese, slightly overlapping if needed.
6. Season the tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper. If you enjoy a hint of garlic, add a tiny pinch of garlic powder or rub a cut clove of garlic over the crust before baking.
7. Carefully transfer the pizza (still on the parchment paper) to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
8. Bake for 8 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment paper. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5–6 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted with light golden spots.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. You can tear them into smaller pieces or leave them whole.
10. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
11. Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.

Cooking Notes

• Use the freshest mozzarella you can find. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and creates the soft, creamy texture Margherita pizza is known for.
• If using tomato slices, pat them dry with a paper towel first. This helps prevent extra moisture on the pizza.
• A very hot oven is the secret to a great pizza crust. Preheating the pizza stone or baking sheet helps mimic a traditional pizza oven.
• Finish the pizza with basil after baking. Fresh basil added at the end keeps its bright flavor and color.

Tips for Easy Pizza Nights

• Prep your toppings before stretching the dough so assembly is quick.
• Let the dough rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before shaping.
• Preheat your oven fully for the crispiest crust.
• If using a pizza stone, heat it for at least 30 minutes before baking.

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What to Serve With Margherita Pizza

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted vegetables
• Classic Caesar salad
• A light Italian soup

Recipe Variations

• Extra Garlic: Rub a fresh garlic clove over the crust before baking.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
• Traditional Version: Skip the ricotta and use only crushed tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
• Fresh Tomato Sauce: Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes instead of sliced tomatoes for a more traditional pizza base.

Storing Leftover Pizza

If you have leftover slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a 375°F oven for a few minutes to bring the crust back to life. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crust.

Book Pairing Suggestion

This classic Margherita Pizza is a lovely match for stories that feel timeless and comforting. Think historical romance, bookish regency stories, or contemporary novels with a slow-burn love story at the center. It would pair beautifully with a Julia Quinn reread, a Darcy Burke historical, or a gentle, character-driven women’s fiction title.

Want more cozy recipes for readers? You might enjoy:

• Homemade Hummus – Creamy, protein-packed, and perfect with warm pita or veggies.
• Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders – Golden, oven-baked crunch without the fryer.
• Book Club Recipes & Food Pairings – Perfect for themed reading nights.
• Browse All Book Reviews – Find your next delicious escape.

Let's Chat

Do you prefer your Margherita Pizza simple and classic, or do you like to add a twist such as extra garlic, a sprinkle of red pepper, or a different cheese? Tell me your favorite version in the comments and which book you would serve it alongside for your next cozy reading night.